NHL free agency: Big names, bargains and busts

When the NHL's annual unrestrictedfree agent derby begins on July 1, who should your favourite team target?

• NHL free agency tracker: Follow the latest moves

A number of high-profile names could be available, but many of them are unlikely to move. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleauboth appear keento stay in San Jose, Radim Vrbatahasexpressed publiclyhis desire to remain in Arizona, while in Montreal, Andrei Markovappears likelyto stayput. And Mike Fisher? He's understandably quite happy in Nashville.

So whoare the big names that are more likely to move? Who should teams go after? Who should they avoid? Here's a breakdown of this year's free-agent class:

5 big names

KevinShattenkirk: He'seasily the best free agent available, but the offensively gifted defender had trouble fitting in on a Washington team that played a much more aggressive rushing game than his former team, St. Louis. His new club will have to hope he fits in better to make his (very large) contract worthwhile.

Jarome Iginla:He's no longer as effective as he used to be, but if he's willing to agree toa one-year contract at a greatly reduced salary from the $5 million UShe earned last season, he could be a good fit on a team looking for veteran depth.

Alexander Radulov: Although the Habs have publicly stated that they would love to bring the Russian winger back,their recent signing of tradeacquisition Jonathan Drouin may preclude Radulov's return.

SamGagner: After a renaissance season in Columbus,Gagnerlooks poised to get a pay increase from the modest $650,000salary he earned last season. He proved that he can flourish in a sheltered scoring role, and could be a good fit on a Cup-contending team with lots of depth up front.

Ryan Miller: He'sstill a serviceable starting goalie, and is likely to come in under the $6-millioncap hit he carried with Vancouver unless a bidding war develops. Philadelphia and Winnipeg both need a starter andhave plenty of cap space, but they also have other options.

Players to avoid

Dan Girardi: Although Girardi saw big minutes with the New York Rangers, he simply wasn't an effective player, let alone a good use of $5.5 millionagainst the salary cap. Eventually, the Rangers realized it and bought him out, making him a free agent. Almost any team in the NHL would have a defenceman in their system who could do more for less.

Ondrej Pavelec:Pavelec's days as an NHL goalie are likely over, with the possible exception of a reclamation-project contract. Even then, Pavelec'sonly season above league average save percentage was in 2014-15, so there might not really be much to salvage.

Karl Alzner: He hasn't missed a single game since 2009-10, and is easily the most coveted shutdown defenceman in this year's UFA crop. The problem? He is likely to land a hefty contract and, although he does prevent a good amount of chances, his offensive zone possession stats areso limited that, on balance, it's a net loss.

Dennis Wideman: While he possesses a booming slap shot on the power play, his mobility has long been an issue at even strength, and at 34 years old, he is unlikely to change that. His last contract carried a $5.25 millioncap hit

Potential steals

Martin Hanzal: He'sdefensively solidand has continued to produce at a decent clip as a 30-year-old. If a team is able to land Hanzalfor reasonable money for three years or less, it could be a great depth move.

Jonathan Bernier: His.915 save percentagelast season was better than those of Ryan Miller, Steve Mason, Brian Elliott and aslew of other UFA goalies.After a year of playing second fiddle in Anaheim, his price tag is unlikely to be prohibitive, makingBernieran excellent option as a platoon goalie.

Thomas Vanek: His defensive play isn't what he's known for, but Vanekcan clearly still put up points and play in a sheltered scoring role. His great release makes him a potential power-play specialist.

Cody Franson: A perennially underrated player, Fransonno doubt has his flaws, but is also a solid option as a No. 4defenceman. His time on the beleaguered Buffalo blue-line suppresses what he can demand in contract negotiations.